Johannesburg – The Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has vowed to beef up its presence around the city following the recent violence against women.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Michael Sun said that the recent reports of violence against women in Joburg was cause for great concern “and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible”.
“Less than a month ago, Karabo Mokoena was brutally murdered – her burnt body was found inside a bin."
“This past week, the bodies of three murdered women, who were allegedly also raped, were found in Soweto. In addition a woman who is two months pregnant was allegedly raped by 11 men on Monday,” he said.
Sun offered his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and said that although criminal investigations fall under the mandate of the South African Police Services (SAPS), “we as the public servants from the City of Joburg will do all we can to support and protect our residents”.
“The Department of Public Safety is working on an operational plan which will increase our JMPD officers visibility."
“We are also working with local policing forums to ensure that we are alerted to any possible crimes happening in our communities, so as to ensure that we are able to act swiftly,” he said.
Sun added that on Wednesday, 117 officers were welcomed to the Department and were already on the ground in local communities.
“They will soon be joined by an additional 1500 officers. Our residents, especially our women and children, have the right to live in an environment where they are safe, respected and protected,” Sun said.
He emphasised that the City and its residents could not allow for these senseless acts of violence against women residing in Joburg, to continue.
“I urge our residents to work closely with the JMPD and local policing forums,” Sun concluded.